More about Chiclayo
The city was founded in 1560 as a rural Indian village that connected the colonial towns of Zana and Lambayeque with the port of Pimentel. Until the 19th century, Chiclayo remained a small town in comparison to the nearby city of Lambayeque. Over the last two hundred years, however, Chiclayo has grown into a commercial hub and northern Peru's second largest city.
At the very heart of the city lies the Plaza de Armas, Chiclayo's attractive main square, where colonial architecture mixes with modern cafes and tasty restaurants. Gustav Eiffel, the man who constructed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, designed the Chiclayo Cathedral in 1868. This impressive neoclassical cathedral is well worth a look.
The main market, Mercado Modelo, is considered one of the most interesting markets in Peru—on a stroll through the market, you can find everything from food to healing charms to hats and woven straw baskets. While you're in Chiclayo, also plan to sample some of Peru's finest seafood in one of the many local restaurants.
In the desert sands and surrounding valleys, ancient civilizations constructed sacred pyramids that went unnoticed until 1987, which was when the Lord of Sipán was discovered. After this discovery, Chiclayo was overloaded with archaeologists who unearthed more pyramids and tombs.
Incredible Stays
Los Portales Hotel Chiclayo
Los Portales Hotel El Chiclayo offers comfortable and cozy accommodations walking distance from some of the city’s top attractions. While you’re here, you’ll take tours of some of the ancient cities just outside of town, where you can find museums and well-maintained archeological sites.
View DetailsCosta del Sol Wyndham Chiclayo
Costa del Sol Chiclayo is in the perfect location for getting the most out of Chiclayo’s attractions. It’s also ideal for people interested in learning more about Peru’s ancient cultures, at the archaeological sites of ruins left behind by the Moche and Chimú cultures.
View DetailsCasa Andina Select Chiclayo
Casa Andina Select Chiclayo is centrally located in Chiclayo. This hotel has clean, comfortable rooms and a good restaurant.
View DetailsCosta del Sol Ramada
In northern Peru, Chiclayo has a culture distinct from the rest of the Andes. Staying at the Costa del Sol Ramado, you’ll be a short distance from Parque Principal, the city’s main square. There you’ll see the late-19th century cathedral, its two white towers framing the blue Peruvian sky.
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